Progress

270 signed

+70 over goal

Share
this on

Sign the Petition to

The California Senate

California currently maintains a lifetime ban on people with prior drug-related felony convictions from receiving basic needs assistance and employment support services through the CalWORKs program and nutrition assistance through the CalFresh program. California has maintained this optional ban despite the fact that the state has the second-highest rate of recidivism in the country. Access to basic needs supports like food assistance and job training reduces recidivism, contributes to successful re-entry of individuals who have been incarcerated, and keeps our communities safer. By opting to ban certain Californians from receiving benefits they’d otherwise be entitled to, the state is leaving on the table millions of dollars in federal funds available for the very programs proven to reduce recidivism and poverty and improve the economy.SB 1029 (Hancock) would lift the ban on people with prior drug-related felony convictions from receiving CalWORKs and CalFresh, provided that they are complying with the conditions of their release, or have successfully completed their probation or parole. By lifting the ban, California will provide additional tools to local probation departments working to support successful community reentry, while helping County Human Services Agencies to reduce hunger and hardship, improve job placement outcomes, and protect child well-being for some of the most vulnerable low-income families they serve. For these reasons, we ask for your "aye" vote on SB 1029 (Hancock).

Signed,

St. Anthony Foundation

This petition closed about 1 year ago

How this will help

California Senator Loni Hancock has introduced SB 1029 to help California address poverty and recidivism by lifting the ban that disqualifies people with prior drug convictions from receiving...

California Senator Loni Hancock has introduced SB 1029 to help California address poverty and recidivism by lifting the ban that disqualifies people with prior drug convictions from receiving CalWORKs and CalFresh after they have served their time and returned to their communities. The bill must be approved by the state Senate before it can be heard in the Assembly and then be considered by the Governor.

If we can show California Senators that the community supports SB 1029, we can help the bill make it through the Senate so that it can be heard and approved by the Assembly, and signed by the Governor. The Senate is the first step - let's give SB 1029 a strong start as it's considered by the legislature.